007 star Daniel Craig has brought new meaning to the term Bond girl - by appearing in a short film in drag.

The hunky actor wears a flowing blonde wig and knee length dress in the film, made to support International Women's Day.

It has been made by artist and film-maker Sam Taylor-Wood to highlight the inequalities faced by women around the world.

The two-minute movie has been voiced by Dame Judi Dench - M in the Bond films - who outlines the harsh realities of the lives of many women who face violence and employment problems with brutal statistics.

Bond, who has not always had the best record when it comes to the opposite sex, is asked: "For someone with such a fondness for women I wonder if you've ever considered what it might be like to be one."

Craig is then seen swapping his smart fitted suit for high heels and a frock.

The film, to be screened at cinemas and online, marks the first time that Bond has been directed by a woman. The short film has been scripted by Jane Goldman, the wife of Jonathan Ross, who worked on movie hits such as Kick-Ass.

Nowhere Boy director Taylor-Wood said: "Bond is challenged by M to think about gender inequality, and I hope that the film encourages viewers to do the same.

"Despite great advances in women's rights, statistics show that when it comes to the balance of power between the sexes, equality is far from being a global reality. As M reminds Bond, facing up to gender issues and the sometimes covert nature of sexism in the 21st century is something that we all have to recognise, confront and challenge."

The film was commissioned by Equals, a coalition of charities and organisations brought together by Annie Lennox.